The public tender for a construction project involving six lots in the district of Castelo Branco has been announced in the Diário da República, with the deadline for proposal submission set for the 15th.
The vice-president of the municipality, Paulo Borralhinho, stated that the project involves buildings previously owned by the local council. Through the Instituto da Habitação e da Reabilitação Urbana (IHRU) and funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan, these buildings will be refurbished and offered on the rental market at controlled rates.
According to Paulo Borralhinho, the properties earmarked for renovation include three old, unused primary schools located in Malpique, Gaia, and Pimenta.
Another house slated for repair is situated in the village of Caria, with more located in the center of Belmonte and two former scout houses, which are adjacent, also located in the municipal seat.
The vice-president highlighted the importance of expanding the housing stock as part of efforts to attract investment and retain residents.
“This is about restoring municipal heritage that is deteriorating, which we otherwise would not have the financial means to do. We achieve two goals in one action: renovating municipal buildings and creating affordable housing,” he emphasized in remarks to Lusa news agency.
The local official explained that one of the challenges in attracting companies and retaining the population, as is the case throughout the country, is “the issue of housing.”
“One way to address this situation is by leveraging these funds to renovate what we have here and then placing it on the rental market at controlled rates with affordable rents,” he reiterated.
Paulo Borralhinho further noted that this investment of one million and seventy thousand euros is part of the Local Housing Strategy, which includes plans for additional housing development.
The municipality has transferred the properties in question to the IHRU, and the vice-president detailed that the municipality will subsequently reimburse the IHRU for the investment made.
